Police: Man made threats during arrest

Bethlehem mayor's brother-in-law charged with harassment.

A 19-year-old man is facing more charges for allegedly threatening Bethlehem police with his political and family connections while officers were serving him with a felony warrant.

Vito Jeffrey Villani, 534 E. Ettwein St., Bethlehem, was charged with two counts of terroristic threats and harassment. He was arraigned Thursday before District Justice James Stocklas and released on $5,000 unsecured bail.

Villani was charged last week with using his car to stop Kyle Reilly of Bethlehem, then repeatedly punching him.

Villani was taken into custody by police last Friday and arraigned on charges of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct, driving under suspension and reckless driving.

The newest charges stem from what police say happened during that arrest. While en route to District Justice Elizabeth Romig's office, Villani allegedly threatened the arresting officer.

The arresting officer, Jonathan Desiderio, told him to be quiet, to which Villani replied, "Just wait. I'll take care of you," according to the affidavit.

Villani is also accused of threatening and harassing Investigator Jeffry Mouer, who processed him at the Bethlehem police station.

"I will see you later," Villani said, according to the affidavit. "I will have a talk with you later."

While Desiderio and another officer took Villani to the district justice's office later that day, Villani allegedly asked questions about Desiderio's family.

"I will be waiting for you in five years to take care of you," Villani is quoted as saying in the affidavit. "Just wait. In five years when you're not expecting it, I'm gonna be waiting to take care of you."

When the officers told Villani to be quiet, he allegedly touted his relationship with Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan.

"The mayor is my brother-in-law," he said. "You can't do anything to me. I'm a Villani."

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, who is married to Mafalda Villani, Vito Villani's sister, said the incident was regrettable but that as mayor, he isn't involved with the case.

"He's a kid who's got a lot of problems, and it's unfortunate he made those comments, but it's being dealt with the same as any other case," Callahan said. "I've done nothing to intervene, nor will I."

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for 1 p.m. June 8. Stocklas required Villani to undergo anger management training and drug and alcohol screening as a condition of his release.